WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
14 February 2008 
 (08-0672) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures  
  
 
 
COMPILATION OF PROPOSALS REGARDING THE REVISION OF THE 
"RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING THE TRANSPARENCY 
OBLIGATIONS OF THE SPS AGREEMENT (ARTICLE 7)" 
 
Note by the Secretariat
1 
 
Revision  
  
In October 2007, the Secretariat circulated a compilation of proposals regarding the revision 
of the Recommended Procedures for Implementing the Transparency Obligations of the SPS 
Agreement (Article 7) adopted by the SPS Comm ittee in April 2002 (G/SPS/7/Rev.2).  The purpose 
of the compilation, which was circulated as G/ SPS/W/215, was to facilitate the discussions of 
Members in the context of the Workshop on Transparency (15-16 October)
2 and the subsequent 
meeting of the SPS Committee (17-19 October).3 
The compilation consolidated suggestions and pr oposals put forth by Members, in particular 
in the context of the Second Review of the Impl ementation of the SPS Agreement and of discussions 
with regard to transparency at meetings of th e SPS Committee.  It also incorporated post-2002 
decisions of the Committee relating to transparency  (e.g. unofficial translations, recognition of 
equivalence) as well as some suggestions from th e WTO Secretariat, mainly for the clarity and 
consistency of the document, based on the experience gained and observations made in the past years. 
In light of oral comments made during the mee tings held in October 2007 and the subsequent 
written comments submitted by Members4, the Secretariat has prepared a draft revised version of the 
Recommended Procedures for Implementing the Tran sparency Obligations of the SPS Agreement 
(Article 7) found in G/SPS/7/Rev.2.  For ease of re ference and comparison, the proposed changes to 
G/SPS/7/Rev.2 are highlighted in this document. 
The Committee will be invited to discuss and adopt the revised Recommended Procedures 
during its meeting of 2-3 April 2008. 
 
  
 
 
                                                     
 
1 This document has been prepared under the Secret ariat's own responsibility and is without prejudice 
to the position of Members or to their rights and obligations under the WTO. 
2 See G/SPS/GEN794/Rev.1 for the programme and G/SPS/R/47 for the repo rt of the workshop. 
3 See G/SPS/R/46 for the report  of the Committee meeting. 
4 Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Japan and the Un ited States have submitted written comments to the 
Secretariat on G/SPS/W/215. G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
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RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING  
THE TRANSPARENCY OBLIGATIONS OF  
THE SPS AGREEMENT (ARTICLE 7) 
 
Revision
5 
  1. Transparency in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is used to signify one of 
the fundamental principles of its agreements: th e aim is to achieve a greater degree of clarity, 
predictability and information about trade polici es, rules and regulations of Members.  In 
implementing this concept Members use notificati ons.  Under the SPS Agreement, notifications are 
used to inform other Members about new or change d regulations that may significantly affect their 
trading partners.
6  Transparency under the SPS Agreement also includes answering reasonable 
questions, and publishing regulations. 
2. These procedures have been developed to assist Members fulfil their transparency obligations 
under Article 7 and Annex B of the SPS Agreemen t regarding the notification of SPS regulations, 
answering information requests under the National Enquiry Point system and publishing regulations. 
IDENTIFICATION OF THE NATIONAL NO TIFICATION AUTHORITY AND OF THE 
NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINT  
3. In accordance with paragraph 10 of Annex B, Members are obliged to designate "a single 
central government authority" as responsible for th e implementation at the national level of the 
transparency provisions.  Paragraph 3 of Annex B indicates that each Member "shall ensure that one 
Enquiry Point exists" which is responsible for the provision of answers to all reasonable questions as 
well as the provision of relevant documents.7 
4. When a Member’s National Notification Aut hority or National Enquiry Point has been 
established, or changed, the WTO Secretariat should be  informed.  The Secretariat regularly circulates 
a list of all Members' notification authorities and Enqu iry Points, and this information is also available 
through the WTO's SPS web page ( www.wto.org ) and through the SPS In formation Management 
System (http://spsims.wto.org).   These lists are updated three or four times a year.  The National 
Enquiry Points are listed in the G/SPS/ENQ/ doc ument series of the WTO, and the notification 
authorities are listed in the G/SPS/NNA/ series.  It  is useful to provide the following contact 
information so that they can be included in the lists: 
• Contact name 
• Name of institution 
• Postal address / physical address 
• Phone 
• Fax 
• E-mail 
• Website address 
                                                      
5 To be issued as G/SPS/7/Rev.3 upon adoption by the SPS Committee.  
6 The SPS Agreement uses the terms 'measures' an d 'regulations' somewhat interchangeably when 
referring to any sanitary or phytosanitary measure such as laws, decrees, or ordinances applied to protect human, 
animal or plant life or health as defined under paragraph 1 of Annex A to the SPS Agreement. 
7 In practice, a number of Members have decided to designate the same entity as the Enquiry Point and 
the National Notification Authority while others have found it more functional to establish more than one 
Enquiry Point to cover the areas of f ood safety, animal and plant health.   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
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RECOMMENDED NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES  
 
5. Members should follow these procedures when notifying regulations as required in 
paragraphs 5 or 6 of Annex B.  The form for routine  notifications (see Annex A-1) should be used for 
notifications in accordance with paragraph 5 of Annex B, whereas the form for emergency 
notifications (see Annex B-1) should be used for notifications as provided for in paragraph 6 of 
Annex B.  
A. APPLICATION OF ANNEX  B, PARAGRAPH 5 (PREAMBULAR PART ) OF THE SPS AGREEMENT  
6. In accordance with Article 7 and paragraph 5 of Annex B of the SPS Agreement, Members 
are required to notify all regulations the content of which is “not substantially  the same as the content 
of an international standard, guideline or recommendati on”, if such regulations are expected to have a 
significant effect on trade of other Members.  
7. Members are encouraged to notify all regulati ons that are based on, conform to, or are 
substantially the same as an international standard , guideline or recommendation, if they are expected 
to have an effect on trade of other Members.8   
8. For the purposes of Annex B, paragraphs 5 an d 6 of the SPS Agreement, the concept of 
"significant effect on trade of other Members" may refer to the effect on trade: 
 - of one sanitary or phytosanitary regulation only or of various sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulations in combination; 
 - in a specific product, group of pr oducts or products in general;  and 
 - between two or more Members. 
 9. To assess whether the sanitary or phytosanitary  regulation may have a significant effect on 
trade, the Member concerned should consider   relevant available information such as :  the value or 
other importance of imports in respect  to the importing and/or expor ting Members concerned, whether 
from other Members individually or collectively;  the potential development of such imports;  and 
difficulties for producers in other Members, particul arly in developing country Members, to comply 
with the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regulatio ns.  The concept of a significant effect on trade 
of other Members should include both import-enhancing a nd import-reducing effects on the trade of 
other Members, as long as such effects are significant. 
B. TIMING OF NOTIFICATIONS  
10. Paragraph 5(a) of Annex B obliges Members to publish a notice at an early stage in such a 
manner as to enable interested Members to b ecome acquainted with a proposal to introduce a 
particular regulation.  Members are encouraged to provide such early notices through communications  
to the SPS Committee so that other Members are better  prepared to assess and, if necessary, comment 
on their proposed measures.9  Members are also encouraged to provide regular updates to the SPS 
                                                      
8 See proposal from Canada in G/SPS/GEN/778.   See also submissi ons from New Zealand 
(G/SPS/W/150, G/SPS/W/157, and G/SPS/W/168),  Canada (G/SPS/W/158), European Communities 
(G/SPS/W/159) and Chile (G/SPS/W/170).  The Secret ariat also received written comments from Australia, 
Canada, Japan and the United States on this paragraph.  
9 See submissions from Mexico (G/SPS/W/136 and G/SPS/W/166).  Also written comments by Brazil 
and Canada.  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
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  Committee on their national regulatory systems for developing and adopting SPS measures and on 
their upcoming work plans with respect to SPS measures.   
11. When implementing  the provisions of  Paragraph 5(b) of Annex B  obliges Members to submit  
a notification should be made  at an early stage  when a draft with the complete text of a proposed 
regulation  is available and when amendments can still be in troduced and comments taken into 
account.10  This should normally be when a draft of the complete text of a regulation is available.    
12. Paragraph 5(d) of Annex B obliges Members to allow a reasonable period of time for 
submission, discussion and consideration of comments.   Members shall normally allow a period of at 
least sixty calendar days for comments, except for proposed me asures which facilitate trade.  Where 
domestic regulatory mechanisms allow,  the 60-day comment period should normally begin with the 
circulation of the notification by the WTO Secretariat.11  Any Member which is able to provide a 
time-limit beyond sixty days is encouraged to do so.12  
13. A notification shall be made well before the entr y into force of the relevant measure, except 
when urgent problems of health protection arise or threaten to arise for the Member concerned.  In 
accordance with paragraph 6 of Annex B , any regulation brought into force in urgent circumstances 
must  is required to  be notified immediately and a rationa le for the urgent action provided. 
14. The late notification of a measure already in  force does not in and of itself constitute 
sufficient reason for the  use of the emergency format .  When urgent problems of health protection are 
not involved, late notifications should be made usin g the regular format and consideration should still 
be given to all comments received. 
C. REQUESTING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO A NOTIFICATION  
15. Members requesting documents related to a no tification should provide all the information 
necessary to identify the documen ts all the elements permitting  the identification of the documents , 
and in particular the WTO SPS notification number to which the requests refer. 
16. When requesting an electronic transmission of documents from anot her Member, Members 
should indicate which elec tronic formats they are able to rece ive, including compatible versions. 
D. PROVIDING DOCUMENTS RELATED TO A NOTIFICATION  
Address of body supplying the documents 
 
17. Members should indicate under point 13 of the WTO notification format the full address of 
the body responsible for supplying th e relevant documents if that body is not the notification authority 
or the Enquiry Point.  Where the relevant documen ts are also available from a website, the website 
address should be provided.  
Responding to requests 
 
18. Members are obliged to provide upon request to other Members copies of the proposed 
regulation in accordance with paragraph 5(c) of Annex B.  Documents requested should normally be 
                                                      
10 See proposal from Egypt in Job(07)/104.  
11 See proposal from China in G/SPS/ W/212.  See also submissions from China (G/SPS/W/162), Chile 
(G/SPS/W/170), and Egypt (Job(07)/ 104).  Also written comments from Australia, Brazil, Canada and the 
United States.  
12 See Procedure to Enhance Transparency of Sp ecial and Differential Treatment in Favor of 
Developing Countries (G/SPS/33), step 1.   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 5 
 
 
  provided within five working days.  If this is  not possible, the request for documentation or 
information should be acknowledged w ithin that period and an estimate given of the time required to 
provide the requested documentation.  With a vi ew to facilitating the timely provision of comments 
on notifications, Members are strongly encourag ed to comply with the five-day deadline.13 
19. Documents supplied in response to a request should be identified with the WTO SPS 
notification number to which the request refers. 
20. Members should use fax and e-mail facilities to th e extent possible in responding to requests 
for documentation or information.  Members are enc ouraged to publish their sanitary or phytosanitary 
measures on the Web, to facilitate the supply of doc uments, and to provide the address of relevant 
websites . 
21. Members may also submit an electronic version of the text of the notified draft regulation 
together with the notification format.  These texts are stored on a WTO server and are accessible 
through a hyperlink in the notification format.14  Information about the provision, storage, and 
language of attachments to SPS notifications is contained in Annex C.  
Acknowledging receipt of documents 
 
22. The Member requesting documents relating to a notification should acknowledge receipt of 
the documents provided. 
Translation of documents 
 
23. When a translation of a relevant document exists or is planned, this fact should be indicated 
on the WTO notification form next to the title of th e document.  If only a translated summary exists, 
the fact that such a summary is ava ilable should be similarly indicated. 
24. If a translation of a document or summary exis ts in the language of the requesting Member, 
or, as the case may be, in the WTO working langua ge used by the requesting Member, it should be 
automatically sent with the orig inal of the document requested. 
25. Where documents are not available in a WTO working language, devel oped country Members 
shall, upon request, supply a translation of the doc ument, or in case of voluminous documents, a 
translation of a summary of the document, in  a WTO working language in accordance with 
paragraph 8 of Annex B . 
26. When a Member seeks a copy of a document rela ting to a notification which does not exist in 
that Member's WTO working language, the notifying  Member should advise the requesting Member 
of other Members that have requested, as of that date, a copy of the document.  The Member seeking 
a copy of a document relating to a notification ma y contact other Members in order to determine 
whether the latter are prepared to share any tr anslation that they have or will be making. 
27. Any Member possessing an unoffici al translation of a document re lating to a notification should 
inform the notifying Member of the existence of the unofficial translation and should submit to the 
Secretariat a supplement to the or iginal notification submitted by a Member.  The supplement should 
indicate the address for requesting a copy or the Web address where the unofficial translation can be 
                                                      
13 See proposal from China in G/SPS/W/212.  
14 See G/SPS/GEN/818 for further information on a ttachments to SPS notifications. This facility is 
identical to the one being used for providing access to full texts of notif ied documents under the Agreement on 
Technical Barriers to Trade (G//TBT/GEN/65).  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 6  
 
  found.  The format of the supplement can be found in  Annex D.  Neither the Se cretariat nor the Member 
providing the unofficial translation can be held responsible for the accuracy or quality of these 
translations.15 
E. HANDLING OF COMMENTS ON NOTIFICATIONS  
28. Each Member should notify the WTO Secretariat of the authority or agency (e.g. its 
notification authority) which it has designated to be  in charge of handling comments received, and of 
any change and/or modification of such authority or agency. 
29. Members submitting comments on a notified draf t regulation should provide them without 
unnecessary delay to the authority designated to hand le the comments, or to the National Notification 
Authority if no other designation is made. 
30. A Member receiving comments through the desi gnated body should, without further request: 
(i) acknowledge the receipt of such comments; 
(ii) explain within a reasonable period of ti me, and at the earliest possible date  before the 
adoption of the measure,  to any Member from which it has received comments, how it 
will  take these comments into account and, where appropriate , provide additional 
relevant information on the proposed sanitary or phytosanitary regul ations concerned;  
(iii) provide to any Member from which it has received comments, a copy of the 
corresponding sanitary or phytosanitary regulat ions as adopted or information that no 
corresponding sanitary or phyto sanitary regulations will be adopted for the time being; 
(iv)  make available to other Members, wher e possible, non-confidential comments and 
questions it has received and answers it has provided , or summaries thereof, preferably  
via electronic means.16 
31. Members should grant requests for extension of  the comment period wherever practicable, in 
particular with regard to notifica tions relating to products of partic ular interest to developing country 
Members, where there have been delays in receiving  and translating the rele vant documents or where 
there is a need for further clarification of the me asure notified.  A 30-day extension should normally 
be provided and notified to the WT O (see section below on Addenda).17 
32. [Members are also encouraged to use the "Procedure to Enhan ce Transparency of Special and 
Differential Treatment in Favour of Developing Countries" (G/SPS/33).18] 
F. ADDENDA , REVISIONS AND CORRIGENDA  
33. In addition to their original notifications, Members can also provide supplementary 
information in three different forms: 
                                                      
15 See G/SPS/GEN/487 for further in formation on this mechanism.  
16 Written comments from Australia, Brazil, Egypt, and Canada.  
17 Comments from Egypt  
18 In accordance with its decision contained in G/SPS/33/Add.1, the SPS Committee is mandated to 
review the implementation of this procedure no later th an its first regular meeting in 2008, with a view to 
deciding then whether to continue with the same procedure or introduce modifications.  Depending on any 
Committee decision arising from this review, this para graph may be modified accordingly.  Written comments 
from Canada and the United States.   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 7 
 
 
  • An addendum is used to provide additional information or changes to an original 
notification.  A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if the final regulation has been substantially modified from the notified proposal. 
• A corrigendum is used to correct an error in an original notification such as an incorrect 
address detail. 
• A revision is used to replace  an existing notification. 
 
Any addendum or corrigendum should be read in  conjunction with the original notification. 
Addenda 
 
34. Members should notify changes in the status of a notified SPS regulation.  The issuance of an 
addendum allows Members to track the status of an SPS regulation via its unique notification number.  
Addenda to SPS notifications should be made  in a number of circumstances, such as: 
(a) if the comment period has been extended; 
(b) when a proposed regulation is either adopted, published
 or comes into force, if the 
relevant dates have not been provided in the original notification or have been 
changed .  A Member may wish to indicate on the addendum if the final regulation has 
been substantially modified from the notified proposal.  Members are strongly 
encouraged to follow this recommendati on and inform other Members in a timely 
manner19; 
(c) if the content of a previously notified draft regulation is partially changed, or if the 
scope of application of the existing notification is modified reduced , either  in terms of 
Members affected or  products covered.20  Such a change may warrant the exten sion of 
the comment period .  Such an addendum should provide for a new 60-day comment 
period unless the notified change is of a tr ade-facilitating nature or is negligible.  
Where domestic regulatory mechanisms allow , the 60-day comment period should 
normally begin with the circulation of the notification by the WTO Secretariat21; 
(d) if a proposed regulation is withdrawn; 
(e) in the case of an emergency notification,  an addendum should also be submitted if the 
period of application of the ex isting notification is extended. 
 
35. An addendum should: 
• briefly recap what was notified, when and what it was about - this is a practical 
requirement, and reduces the need for Member s to have to go back to the original 
notification to check what it was about; 
• specify what change has been made and why - briefly state why the information, 
dates, etc have been changed;  and 
• restate the comments deadline, even if it has not been changed - as a reminder to 
Members that if they wish to comment it must be done by this date. 
                                                      
19 See submissions from China (G/SPS/W/212) and the European Communities (G/SPS/W/159).  Also 
written comments received from Japan and Canada on this paragraph.  
20 WTO Secretariat proposal to minimize confusion regarding the difference between this 
recommendation and the recommendation with respect to  revisions, below.  See also footnote 23.  
21 See proposal from China in G/SPS/W/212 and submissions from China (G/SPS/W/162), Chile 
(G/SPS/W/170), and Egypt (Job.(07)/104).  Also writte n comments from Australia, Brazil, Canada and the 
United States on the question of 60 days.  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
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36. A form for making an addendum is available in  Annex A-2 for routine notifications and in 
Annex B-2 for notifications of emergency measures. 
Revisions  
 37. Revisions replace  an existing notification.  Revisions should be submitted, for example, when 
the scope of application o f a notified regulation is extended, either in terms of Members affected or 
products covered, or  if a notified draft regulati on was substantially redrafted  or if a notification 
contained a large number of errors.22  A Member should provide a further period for comments on the 
revised notification, normally 60 calendar days.  Where domestic regulatory mechanisms allow, the 
60-day comment period should normally begin with the circulation of the revised notification by the 
WTO Secretariat.  
38. A form for making a revision is available in Annex A-3 for routine notifications and Annex 
B-3 for notifications of emergency measures. 
Corrigenda  
 
39. Members should inform the Secretariat of any erro r(s) contained in their original notification.  
The Secretariat will issue a corrigendum accordingly. 
40. A form for making a corrigendum is available in Annex A-4 for routine notifications and 
Annex B-4 for notifications of emergency measures. 
G. REGULATIONS THAT CONTAIN BOTH SPS AND TBT MEASURES  
41. When a regulation contains bot h SPS and TBT measures, it should be notified according to 
both the SPS and TBT Agreements, preferably with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under the SPS Agreement (e.g. a food safety measure)  and which parts fall under the TBT Agreement 
(e.g., quality or compositional requirements). 
H. NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF THE REC OGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE OF SANITARY OR 
PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES23 
42. In accordance with the Decision on Equivale nce (G/SPS/19), a Member which has made a 
determination recognizing the equivalence of sanitary  or phytosanitary measures of another Member 
or Members shall notify other Members through the S ecretariat of the measure(s) recognized to be 
equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
43. For the purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Me mber, though different from the measures applied 
in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and recognized by the 
importing Member, the importing Member ’s appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection.  
A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to a specific measure or 
measures related to a certain product or cate gories of products, or on a systems-wide basis.  
                                                      
22 Proposal from the WTO Secretariat. The section pr oposed for deletion has led to some confusion in 
its implementation in the past.  Therefore it is proposed that changes to the scope of application of a notified 
regulation be submitted as an Addendum while a complete  overhaul of a draft regulation might necessitate a 
Revision.  See also footnote 21.  Written comments received from Brazil and Canada on this paragraph.  
23 At its meeting of 25-26 June 2002, the Committee adopted a format and recommended procedures 
for the notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence of sanitary or phytosanitary measures 
which can be found in G/SPS/7/Rev.2/Add.1.  This document has been incorporated into this Revision.   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 9 
 
 
  44. Notification should also be made of signi ficant variations to existing equivalence 
arrangements, including their suspension or rescission.  
45. See Annex E for further information on the form at for the Notification of Determination of 
the Recognition of Equivalence of Sa nitary or Phytosanitary Measures.  
I. COMPLETED NOTIFICATIONS  
46. Notifications should be sent, preferably by e-mail, but if not  by fax or air mail, from the 
National Notification Authority to the central regi stry of notifications (CRN) at the WTO.  The 
address is: 
 Central Registry of Notifications  e-mail:  crn@wto.org  
 World Trade Organization 
 Rue de Lausanne 154 
 1211 Geneva 21  Switzerland  Fax:  (+41 22) 739 5638 
 
47. Electronic copies of all notification formats can be downloaded from the WTO website at:  
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/sps_e/sps_e.htm   
48. Members may  are not required to send the legal texts of proposed regulations that are being 
notified.  submit electronic copies, in PDF format, posed regulations along with the corresponding 
notifications to the WTO Secretariat.  These text s will be accessible, in the format and language 
provided, through a hyperlink in the notification format (see paragraph 22).  
49.  In addition, Members are encouraged to provide  a Web address, if available, for the relevant 
documents in the appropriate section of the notification format . 
GUIDELINES FOR NATIONAL ENQUIRY POINTS 
 
50. The National Enquiry Point system esta blished in paragraph 3 of Annex B  is an effective 
avenue for obtaining information regarding SPS systems and measures from other Members. 
51. The National Enquiry Point handles on a routine basis: 
• document and information requests; 
• general enquiries;  and 
• delivery and charging of documents. 
 52. National Enquiry Points should also provide, upon request, information on participation in 
any bilateral or multilateral equivalence agreemen ts and arrangements in accordance with paragraph 
3(d) of Annex B.  
53. While the mode of delivery is at the discretion of the Member concerned, it is recommended 
that delivery of documents should be by the fastest  means possible.  In the first instance, if the 
Member has such facilities, the documents s hould be made accessible through a website or  sent by e-
mail or by fax.  Alternatively, a Member can send the documents by post or via a requesting Member’s diplomatic mission in their territory. G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 10  
 
  54. A Member may only charge the same cost for the documents as it would for its own nationals 
plus the cost of delivering the documents in accordance with paragraph 4 of Annex B
. 
55. Members should also refer to the guidelines on transparency contained in the handbook How 
to apply the transparency provisions of the SPS Agreement  (November 2000), when notifying 
regulations and operating National Enquiry Points in accordance with  Article 7 and Annex B of the 
SPS Agreement.24 
PUBLICATION OF REGULATIONS (Annex B, pa ragraph 1 and 2 of the SPS Agreement)  
 
56. The publication of regulations is a fundamental component of transparency under the SPS 
Agreement.  This is a general ob ligation on Members, and does not re late specifically to the work of 
either the National Notification Authority or National Enquiry Point. 
57. Members are obliged to: 
(a) ensure that all SPS regulations which have  been adopted are published promptly in 
such a manner as to enable interested countries to become acquainted with them.  
Regulations to be published include laws, d ecrees or ordinances which are applicable 
generally; 
(b) except in urgent circumstances, allow a r easonable interval between the publication 
of a sanitary or phytosanitary regulation and its entry into force in order to allow time 
for producers in exporting Members and partic ularly in developing country Members, 
to adapt their products and methods of production to the requirements of the importing Member. 
58. As agreed in the Doha Decision on Impl ementation-Related Issues and Concerns
 
(WT/MIN(01)/17, para. 3.2):  
Subject to the conditions specified in paragraph 2 of Annex B to the 
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures, the phrase "reasonable interval" shall be understood to 
mean normally a period of not less than 6 months.  It is understood 
that timeframes for specific measures have to be considered in the 
context of the particular circumstances of the measure and actions 
necessary to implement it.  The en try into force of measures which 
contribute to the liberalization of trade should not be unnecessarily 
delayed.  
59. A reasonable interval between the publication and entry into force of new regulations should 
be provided, including when these are based on, c onform to, or are substantially the same as an 
international standard, guideline, or recommendation.25  
                                                      
24 As a follow up to the workshop on transparency  held in October 2007, Australia and New Zealand 
are also preparing a practical procedural manual on th e operation of National Enqu iry Points and Notification 
Authorities.  Once it is finalized, the manual will be posted on the WTO website for access by all interested 
parties.  
25 Written comments from Australia and Canada.   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
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  60. Members are encouraged to publish SPS regulations on the Internet  Web  where possible.  
Publication on the Internet  Web  has a number of advantages and benefits to Members over more 
traditional methods.  It: 
(a) allows for greater transparency; 
(b) makes it easier for Members to obtain documents;  and 
(c) reduces the amount of work involved in processing and fulfilling document requests. 
 
ACCESS TO INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC RESOURCES RELATED TO SPS 
NOTIFICATIONS AND OTHER SPS INFORMATION  
 61. There are a number of international resources on the Web which could facilitate Members' 
access to SPS-related information.  These include the WTO Secretariat's Documents Online Facility 
and SPS Information Management System (SPS IMS) ( http://spsims.wto.org ) as well as the FAO's 
International Portal on Food Safety, Animal and Plant Health ( http://www.ipfsaph.org ). 
62. Members are encouraged to provide the WTO Secretariat up-to-date information regarding 
SPS-related websites within their territory  for inclusion on the WTO's SPS web page . 
 
 G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
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ANNEX A-1:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS
 
 
COMPLETION OF FORMATS - ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS (ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 5) 
 
Information contained in the notifications s hould be as complete as possible and no section 
should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not known" or "not stated" should be indicated. 
Item Description 
1. Member notifying Government, including the competent authorities of the European 
Communities, which is making the notification. 
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or 
phytosanitary regulation. 
3. Products covered Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and number) 
as contained in national schedule s deposited with the WTO.  ICS 
numbers should be provided in addi tion, where applicable.  A clear 
description is important for an und erstanding of the notification by 
delegations and translators.  Abbreviations should be avoided.  
4. Regions or countries 
likely to be affected The geographical regions or countries  likely to be affected by the 
notified regulation should be identified to the extent relevant or practicable .  Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible in 
identifying regions or coun tries likely to be affected . 
5. Title, language and 
number of pages of the 
notified document Title of the proposed or adopted (i n the case of late submissions)  
sanitary or phytosanitary regulation.  Number of pages in the notified 
document.  Languages in which th e notified document is available.  
If a translation of the whole document or its summary exists, indicate 
this here. 
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulation or a summary or 
translation thereof in PDF format along with the notification, the 
WTO Secretariat will facilitate access to this text through a hyperlink 
in the notification format.  
6. Description of content A summary  of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late 
submissions) sanitary or phytosanita ry regulation clearly indicating its 
content and health protection objec tive.  The summary should be as 
complete and accurate as possible to allow the full understanding of the proposed regulation.  To the extent possible, likely effects on 
trade should be described.  Abbreviations s hould be avoided.  Where 
practicable it should also include an outline of the specific sanitary 
measures the regulation will apply.  The summary should enable 
trading partners to determine whether the notified measure is likely 
to have an impact on products they wish to export to the notifying 
Member . 
When a regulation contains both SPS and TBT measures, it should 
be notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements,  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 13 
 
 
 Item Description 
preferably with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under the SPS Agreement and which parts fall under the TBT Agreement.  
7. Objective and rationale State whether objectiv e is:  protection of human health from food-
borne risks;  or protection of human health from plant- or animal-
carried diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or 
diseases;  or protection of animal health from contaminated feed;  or protection of plant health from pests or diseases; or prevention of other damage from entry, establishment or spread of pests. 
8. Existence of 
international standard, guideline or recommendation If a relevant international standa rd, guideline or recommendation 
exists, put a cross in the box provided for the appropriate standard-
setting organization and give the appropriate reference of the existing 
standard, guideline or recommendati on, e.g., Codex standard number, 
ISPM number, OIE Code chapter.  Indicate whether the proposed 
regulation conforms to the relevant international standard and if not,  
describe how and why  the proposed regulation deviates from the 
international standard, guid eline or recommendation. 
If no international standard, guidelin e or recommendation exists, put a 
cross in the box "none".  
9. Other  relevant 
documents and 
language(s) in which these are available Documents referenced here are di fferent from those listed in box 5. 
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Publication where notice of the proposed regulation  appears, 
including date and reference numbers; 
(b) Proposal and basic document to which proposal refers (with 
specific reference number or other identification), and the language(s) 
in which the notified documents and any summary of these are available; 
(c) Publication in which proposal will appear when adopted. 
If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount of the 
charge should be indicated. 
Provide the Web address and hyperlink for these documents where 
available.  
If a Member submits texts of referenced documents in PDF format 
along with the notification to the WTO Secretariat, hyperlinks to 
these texts will be made available under this item.  
10. Proposed date of 
adoption and of 
publication  The date when the sanitary or phyto sanitary regulation is expected to 
be adopted.  Also provide where possible the proposed date of 
publication of the final measure if  this differs from the date of 
adoption . 
11. Proposed date of entry 
into force  The date from which the requireme nts in the regulation are proposed 
or decided to enter into force shal l normally be at least six months 
following the above date of adoption and/or publication . G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 14  
 
 Item Description 
Where appropriate, Members should accord longer time-frames for 
compliance on products of interest  to developing country Members.  
This shall normally be a peri od of not less than six months.26 
 
Put a cross in the box if the proposed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of trade.  In this case, the implementation of the 
measure should not be unnecessar ily delayed and no comment period 
need be provided . 
12. Final date for comments 
and agency or authority handling comments The date by which Members may submit comments in accordance 
with Annex B, Paragraph 5(b) of the SPS Agreement.  A Member shall normally allow a period of at least sixty calendar
 days for 
comments.  Check the box if this is 60 calendar days following the 
date of circulation of the notification as a WTO document.27  If not, a 
specific date should be  indicated.  Any Member which is able to 
provide a time limit beyond 60 days is encouraged to do so. 
The agency or authority which has been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated.  If this is the National Notification 
Authority or the National Enquiry  Point, put a cross in the box 
provided.  If another agency or auth ority has been designated, provide 
its name, address, fax and (i f available) E-mail address. 
For proposed measures which facili tate trade, Members may reduce 
or eliminate the period for receiving comments.  
13. Texts available from If available from the Na tional Notification Authority or the Enquiry 
Point, put a cross in the respective box.  If available from another 
body, give its address, fax number an d (if available) E-mail address.  
Such indications do not in any wa y discharge the relevant Enquiry 
Point of its responsibilities under  the provisions of Annex B, 
Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SPS Agreement. 
Provide the  world wild  Web address of the document notified, if 
available. 
If a Member submits the text of th e draft regulation in PDF format 
along with the notification, a hyperlink to this text will be made 
available under this item.  
                                                      
26 Doha Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and Concerns (WT/MIN/(01)/17, para.3.1).  
Comments from Egypt  
27 See proposal from China in G/SPS/ W/212.  See also submissions from China (G/SPS/W/162), Chile 
(G/SPS/W/170), and Egypt (Job.(07)/104).  Al so written comments by Australia and Brazil.   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 15 
 
 
  
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
 
NOTIFICATION 
 
1. Notifying Member :   
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable):  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affect ed, to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language and number of pages of the notified document: 
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, 
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aqua tic Animal Health Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM N°)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe how and why it deviat es from the international standard:  
9. Other  relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  
10. Proposed date of adoption and of publication (dd/mm/yy) :  
11. Proposed date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy):  [  ] Six months from date of publication  
or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 16  
 
 12. Final date for comments:  [  ] Sixty days from  the date of circulation of the notification  
or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:   [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] 
National Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National Notification Authority,  [  ] National Enquiry Point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body:  
  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 17 
 
 
 ANNEX A-2:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA  
  
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Add.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
 
NOTIFICATION  
 
Addendum  
 
  The following communication, dated
 received on  # Month Year, is being circulated at the 
request of the Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
  
Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is
 
  [Text]   
This addendum concerns a:
 
  [  ]  Modification of final date for comments
 
 [  ]  Notification of adoption, publica tion, or entry into force of regulation  
 [  ] Modification of content and/or scope  of previously notified draft regulation  
 [  ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
 [  ]  Change in proposed date of adoption,  publication, or date of entry into force  
 [  ] Other  [provide brief description]  
 Comment period:  [If the addendum extends the scope of the previously notified measure in terms of 
products and/or potentially affected Members, a new deadline for receipt of comments should be 
provided, normally of at least 60 calendar days.  Under other circumstances, such as extension of 
originally announced final date for comments, the comment period provided in the Addendum may 
vary.]  
 [  ] Sixty days from the date of circula tion of the addendum to the notification  
 or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
 
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] National 
Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if available) of other body : 
 
Text available from:  [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] National Enquiry Point, or address, fax 
number and E-mail address (if available) of other body : 
 
 [Where the notified document can be obtained from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email] as appropriate].  
 G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 18  
 
 ANNEX A-3:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS - REVISIONS
 
 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Rev.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
 
NOTIFICATION  
 
Revision  
  
1. Notifying Member
:   
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable):  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected , to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language and number of pages of the notified document:  
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, 
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aqua tic Animal Health Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM N°)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to the relevant international standard?  [  ]  Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe how and why it deviat es from the international standard:  
9. Other  relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  
10. Proposed date of adoption  / publication (dd/mm/yy):   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 19 
 
 
 11. Proposed date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy):  [  ] Six months from date of publication  
or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure  
12. Final date for comments:  [  ] Sixty days from  the date of circulation of the notification  
or [DATE:  dd/mm/yy]  
Agency or authority designated to handle comments:   [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] 
National Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National Notification Authority,  [  ] National Enquiry Point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body:  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 20  
 
  
ANNEX A-4:  ROUTINE NOTIFICATIONS - CORRIGENDUM
 
 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Corr.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
 
  
NOTIFICATION  
 
Corrigendum
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated  received on  # Month Year, is being circulated at the 
request of the Delegation of [Member].  
_______________  
  
 Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is
 
  [Text]  
Text available from:  [  ] National Notification Auth ority, [  ] National Enquiry Point, or address, fax 
number and E-mail address (if available) of other body : 
 
  
[Where the notified document can be obtained from – include contact name , agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email as appropriate].  
   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 21 
 
 
 ANNEX B-1:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS  
 
COMPLETION OF FORMATS - EMERGENCY NOTIF ICATIONS (ANNEX B, PARAGRAPH 6) 
 
 Information contained in the notification fo rm should be as complete as possible and no 
section should be left blank.  Where necessary, "not  known" or "not stated" should be indicated. 
 
Item Description 
1. Member notifying Government, including th e competent authorities of the European 
Communities, which is making the notification. 
2. Agency responsible Body elaborating a proposal for or promulgating a sanitary or 
phytosanitary regulation. 
3. Products covered  Tariff item number(s ) (normally HS, chapter or  heading and 
number) as contained in nationa l schedules deposited with the 
WTO.  ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where 
applicable.  A clear description is  important for an understanding of 
the notification by delegations a nd translators.  Abbreviations 
should be avoided. 
4. Regions or countries 
likely to be affected The geographical regions or countries  likely to be affected by the 
notified regulation should be identif ied to the extent relevant or 
practicable.  Members are encouraged to be as specific as possible 
in identifying regions or countries likely to be affected.  
5. Title, language and 
number of  pages of the 
notified document Title of the proposed or adopted (in the case of late submissions)  
sanitary or phytosanitary regulat ion.  Number of pages in the 
notified document.  Languages in which the notified document is available.  
If a translation of the whole do cument or its summary exists, 
indicate this here. 
If a Member submits the text of the draft regulati on or a summary 
or translation thereof in PDF format  along with the notification, the 
WTO Secretariat will facilitate access to this text through a 
hyperlink in the notification format.  
6. Description of content A summary of the pr oposed or adopted sanitary or phytosanitary 
regulation clearly indicating its content and health protection 
objective.  The summary should be as complete and accurate as 
possible to allow the full understa nding of the proposed regulation.  
To the extent possible, likely effe cts on trade should be described.  
Abbreviations should be avoided.  Where practicable it s hould also 
include an outline of the specifi c sanitary measures the regulation 
will apply.  The summary should enable trading partners to 
determine whether the notified measure is likely to have an 
impact on products they wish to export to the notifying Member.  
When a regulation contains both SPS or TBT measures, it should 
be notified according to both the SPS and TBT Agreements, G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 22  
 
 Item Description 
preferably with an indication of which parts of the regulation fall 
under the SPS Agreement and wh ich parts fall under the TBT 
Agreement.  
7. Objective and rationale   State whether objective is:  protection of human health from food-
borne risks;  or protection of human health from plant- or animal-
carried diseases;  or protection of animal health from pests or 
diseases;  or protection of animal health from contaminated feed;  or protection of plant health fro m pests or diseases; or prevention 
of other damage from entry, establishment or spread of pests. 
8. Nature of urgent 
problem(s) and reason for urgent action Indication of the underlying reason s for resorting to emergency 
action, e.g., incursion of pests asso ciated with imports, outbreak of 
a disease in supplying areas, etc.  
9. Existence of 
international standard, 
guideline or 
recommendation If a relevant international sta ndard, guideline or recommendation 
exists, put a cross in the box provi ded for the appropriate standard-
setting organization and give the appropriate reference of the 
existing standard, guideline or  recommendation, e.g., Codex 
standard number, ISPM number, OIE Code chapter.  Indicate 
whether the proposed regulation conforms to the relevant 
international standard and if not,  describe how and why  the 
proposed regulation deviates from  the international standard, 
guideline or recommendation. 
If no international standard, guide line or recomm endation exists, 
put a cross in the box "none".  
10. Other relevant documents 
and language(s) in which these are available Documents referenced here are diff erent to those listed in box 5.  
Documents which should be referenced include:  
(a) Measure(s) taken and basic regulation which was modified 
(with specific reference number or  other identification), and the 
language(s) in which the notifie d documents and any summary of 
these are available; 
(b) Publication in which regulation will appear; 
If it is necessary to charge for documents supplied, the amount of 
the charge should be indicated. 
Provide the Web address and hype rlink for these documents where 
available.  
If a Member submits texts of referenced documents in PDF 
format along with the notification to the WTO Secretariat, 
hyperlinks to these texts will be made available under this item. 
11. Date of entry into force 
and period of application  The date from which the requirement s entered into force, and, if 
applicable, the period of time duri ng which they will apply.  (For 
example: immediate entry into force [date], duration of two months.) Put a cross in the box if the propo sed measure contributes to the 
liberalization of trade.  In this case the implementation of the   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 23 
 
 
 Item Description 
measure should not be delayed and no comment period need be 
provided . 
12. Agency or authority 
 handling comments  The agency or authority which ha s been designated to handle the 
comments should be indicated.  If this is the National Notification 
Authority or the National Enquiry Point, put a cross in the box 
provided.  If another agency or  authority has been designated, 
provide its name, address, fax a nd (if available)  E-mail address.  
13. Texts available from If available from the National No tification Authority or Enquiry 
Point, put a cross in the respecti ve box.  If available from another 
body, give its address, fax numb er and (if available) E-mail 
address.  Such indications do not in any way discharge the relevant 
Enquiry Point of its responsibilities under the provisions of Annex B, Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the SPS Agreement. 
Provide the
 world wild  Web address of the document notified, if 
available. 
If a Member submits the text of th e draft regulation in PDF format 
along with the notification, a hype rlink to this text will be made  
available under this item.  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 24  
 
  
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
 
1. Notifying Member :   
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable):  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affected , to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language  and number of pages of the notified document: 
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease, 
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s)  and reason for urgent action:  
9. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aqua tic Animal Health Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM N°)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe how and why it deviat es from the international standard:  
10. Other  relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  
11. Date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy)/ period of application (as applicable): 
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 25 
 
 
 12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments:   [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] 
National Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National Notification Authority,  [  ] National Enquiry Point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body: G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 26  
 
 ANNEX B-2:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS - ADDENDA
 
 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Add.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
Addendum
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated  received on  # Month Year, is being circulated at the 
request of the Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
 
 
Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is  
  [Text]  This addendum concerns a:
 
 
 [  ]  Modification of final date for comments  
[  ]  Modification of content and/or scope  of previously notified draft regulation  
 [  ] Withdrawal of proposed regulation  
 [  ]  Change in period of application of measure  
 [  ] Other [provide brief description]  
 
 Agency or authority designated to handle comments:  [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] National 
Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if available) of other body : 
 
Text available from:  [  ] Nationa l Notification Authority, [  ] National Enquiry Point, or address, fax 
number and E-mail address (if available) of other body : 
 
 [Where the notified document can be obtained from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email as appropriate].  
 
 
  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 27 
 
 
 ANNEX B-3:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS – REVISIONS  
 
 
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Rev.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
 
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
Revision 
 
1. Notifying Member : 
If applicable, name of local government involved: 
2. Agency responsible:  
3. Products covered (provide tariff item number(s) as  specified in national schedules deposited with 
the WTO; ICS numbers should be provided in addition, where applicable):  
4. Regions or countries likely to be affect ed, to the extent relevant or practicable: 
5. Title, language  and number of pages of the notified document: 
6. Description of content:  
7. Objective and rationale:  [   ] food safety, [  ] animal he alth, [  ] plant protection, 
[  ] protect humans from animal/plant pest or disease,   
[  ]  protect territory from other damage from pests  
8. Nature of the urgent problem(s)  and reason for urgent action:  
9. Is there a relevant international sta ndard? If so, identify the standard:  
[  ] Codex Alimentarius Commission  
 [(e.g., Codex standard number, title of Code of practice], etc.)  
[  ] World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)  
 [(e.g., Terrestrial or Aqua tic Animal Health Code  chapter number)]  
[  ] International Plant Protection Convention  
 [(e.g., ISPM number)]  
[  ] None   
Does this proposed regulation conform to  the relevant international standard?  [  ] Yes    [  ] No  
 If no, describe how and why it deviat es from the international standard:  
10. Other  relevant documents and language(s) in which these are available:  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 28  
 
 11. Date of entry into force (dd/mm/yy)/ period of application (as applicable): 
[  ]  Trade facilitating measure  
12. Agency or authority designated to handle comments:   [  ] National Notification Authority, [  ] 
National Enquiry Point, or address, fax number and E-mail address (if ava ilable) of other body:   
13. Texts available from:  [  ] National Notification Authority,  [  ] National Enquiry Point,  or 
address, fax number and E-mail addr ess (if available) of other body:  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 29 
 
 
 ANNEX B-4:  EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS – CORRIGENDUM  
  
 
WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Corr.#  
date of distribution 
 (##-####) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:    
  
NOTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY MEASURES  
 
Corrigendum
 
 
 
 The following communication, dated  received on  # Month Year, is being circulated at the 
request of the Delegation of [Member]. 
_______________  
 
 Title outlining what the SPS measure or product is
 
 
 [Text]  Text available from:  [  ] Nationa l Notification Authority, [  ] National Enquiry Point, or address, fax 
number and E-mail address (if available) of other body : 
 
  
[Where the notified document can be obtained from – include contact name, agency, full 
address, telephone, facsimile, and email as appro priate].  
 G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 30  
 
 ANNEX C:  FACILITY TO ACCESS FULL TEXTS OF NOTIFIED REGULATIONS
28 
 
Attachments submitted together with WTO SPS Notifications  
 
Guidelines  
  
1. General 
(a) An "attachment" is a draft regulatory text or a translation or a summary thereof 
referred to in a WTO SPS notification. 
(b) An attachment will not be considered as a WTO document. 
(c) The Secretariat cannot be held responsible for the content of attachments. 
2. Provision of attachments to the WTO   
(a) Attachments shall be provided electronically to the Central Registry of Notifications 
(crn@wto.org), in conjunction with the corresponding WTO SPS notification. 
(b) Attachments will not be scanned by the WTO Secretariat if submitted in hard copy. 
(c) Attachments shall be provided in PDF format only.  Notifications shall continue to be 
submitted in Word. 
(d) Individual attachments shall not exceed 4MB in size;  multiple attachments may be 
provided. 
3. Storage of attachments   
(a) Attachments will be stored on a WTO central server. 
(b) Attachments stored on the WTO central server will be viewable online by clicking on 
the hyperlink in the notification form. 
(c) Attachments can also be downloaded directly by the user. 
(d) Attachments will not be circulated in hard copy form. 
4. Language of attachments 
(a) Attachments may be provided in their original language. 
(b) If available, Members may also provide translations. 
(c) Attachments will not be translated by the Secretariat. 
 
                                                     
 
28 New Annex incorporating the Note by the Se cretariat on Attachments to SPS Notifications 
(G/SPS/GEN/818).   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 31 
 
 
  
ANNEX D:  AVAILABILITY OF UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATIONS29 
 
 
 WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION  
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DU COMMERCE  
ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DEL COMERCIO  G/SPS/N/COUNTRY/#/Suppl.# 
12 March 2004 
 (04-0000) 
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures  
  
AVAILABILITY OF TRANSLATIONS 
 
Supplement
 
 
 The Secretariat has been informed  that an unofficial translation into [langu age] [one of the WTO 
working languages] of the document referenced in this notification is available for consultation at: 
 
  http://www. ........... ............ ............ ........ 
 
__________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Comité des mesures sanitaires et phytosanitaires 
 
TRADUCTIONS DISPONIBLES 
 
Supplément  
 
 Le Secrétariat a été informé qu'une traduction non officielle en [langue] [l'une des langues de travail de 
l'OMC] du document auquel renvoie la présente notif ication pouvait être consultée à l'adresse suivante: 
 
  http://www. ........ ............... ............. 
 __________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Comité de Medidas Sanitarias y Fitosanitarias 
 
ACCESO A TRADUCCIONES 
 
Suplemento
 
 
 Se ha comunicado a la Secretaría que en la dirección:  
  http://www. ........... ............ ............ ........ 
 se puede consultar una traducción no oficial al [idioma] [uno de los idiomas de trabajo de la OMC] del 
documento a que se hace referencia en la presente notificación. 
 
 
                                                      
29 New Annex incorporating information on Mechanism on Unofficial Translations (G/SPS/GEN/487).  G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
Page 32  
 
 ANNEX E:  NOTIFICATION OF RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE
30 
 
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE  
NOTIFICATION FORMAT 
 
 In accordance with the Decision on Equivale nce (G/SPS/19), a Member which has made a 
determination recognizing the equivalence of sanitary  or phytosanitary measures of another Member 
or Members shall notify other Members through the S ecretariat of the measure(s) recognized to be 
equivalent and of the products affected by this recognition.  
 For the purposes of this notification, equivalence is defined to be the state wherein sanitary or 
phytosanitary measures applied in an exporting Me mber, though different from the measures applied 
in an importing Member, achieve, as demonstrated by the exporting Member and recognized by the importing Member, the importing Member ’s appropriate level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection.  
A determination of the recognition of equivalence may be with respect to a specific measure or 
measures related to a certain product or categor ies of products, or on a systems-wide basis. 
  Notification should also be made of signi ficant variations to existing equivalence 
arrangements, including their suspension or rescission.  
Item Description 
1. Member  notifying Government, including the competent authorities of the European 
Communities, which is making the notification. 
2. Title  of the text stating 
determination of the 
recognition of equivalence Title of any formal or informal agreement, Memorandum of 
Understanding or other document establishing the determination of 
recognition of equivalence. 
3. Parties  involved Name of the exporting Member or Members whose measure has been 
determined to be equivalent. 
4. Date of entry into force of  
the determination of the recognition of equivalence 
and any associated 
procedures or regulations  Date from which procedures, regulations or other measures based on the 
determination of recognition of equivalence took effect. 
5. Products  covered (HS or 
CCCN where applicable, 
otherwise national tariff 
heading) Tariff item number(s) (normally HS, chapter or heading and number) as 
contained in national schedules deposited with the WTO of the 
product(s) which are imported on the basis of the determination of the 
recognition of equivalence.  
6. Brief description of the 
measure(s) recognized to 
be equivalent Clearly indicate the nature of the recognition of equivalence, including 
which measure(s) of the exporting Member have been determined to be 
equivalent and which elements of the importing Member's usual 
requirements are met by these equivalent measures.  
7. Further  information 
available from: The agency or authority from which an interested Member may request 
further information regarding the specific determination of equivalence 
being notified.  If this is the National Enquiry Point, check the box 
provided.  If available from another body, give its address, fax number 
and (if available) E-mail address.  Provide the Web address of the 
document, if available. 
                                                      
30 New Annex incorporating Committee Decision on Notification of Recognition of Equivalence 
(G/SPS/7/Rev.2/Add.1).   G/SPS/W/215/Rev.1 
 Page 33 
 
 
  
 WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  G/SPS/EQV/N/# 
Date of circulation 
 (00-0000) 
Committee on Sanitary a nd Phytosanitary Measures Original:   
   
NOTIFICATION OF DETERMINATION OF THE RECOGNITION OF EQUIVALENCE 
OF SANITARY OR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES 
 
 
 The following notification of determination of the recognition of equivalence has been 
received. 
 
 
1. Member notifying: 
 
2. Title of the text stating the determination of the recognition of equivalence: 
 
3. Parties involved:  
4. Date of entry into force of the determination of the recognition of equivalence and 
any associated procedures or regulations (dd/mm/yy): 
  
5. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff 
heading): 
 
 
6. Description of measures recognized to be equivalent:  
 
7. Further information available from:  
 
[   ]  National Enquiry Point   [   ]  Other (specify)  
 
 
__________